Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Pam

This Bourbon Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin is perfect as a main course or for elegant sliders as a party dish.

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  • Where we got this beef tenderloin recipe:
  • Beef Tenderloin as the centerpiece of holiday meals.
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Do you love grilling as much as we do? We have a few other recipes you should check out.

Where we got this beef tenderloin recipe:

The recipe came from Weber's Big Book of Grilling, which we've had for over 20 years. It is a go-to book of grill recipes around here, though we did cook ours on the Big Green Egg.

We love cooking fish on the grill too and have collected the best Grilled Fish and Seafood Recipes.

For the perfect Smoked Ham on the Big Green Egg you'll want to check this out.

Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (2)

We like to serve the beef tenderloin as sliders with small rolls. I make the horseradish sauce myself, but I don't use a recipe. I just stir up about half and half sour cream and plain Greek yogurt with horseradish to taste and a healthy spoonful of Dijon mustard.

Beef Tenderloin as the centerpiece of holiday meals.

Whether you're planning a special meal for Christmas, or a dinner party for just a few this will become your standard for beef tenderloin. The bourbon glaze recipe just takes it over the top!

We've tried a lot of different versions over the years, but always end up coming back to this one, and you will too.

This recipe made the suggested list for the Backyard BBQ Menu Ideas. You'll want to visit for lots of other recipes as well as tips, tricks and planning help for your cookout.

For a fun and quick look at this recipe check out the Google Web Story.

📖 Recipe

Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (3)

Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Sliders

4.92 from 24 votes

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Ingredients

*For the Marinade*

1 center-cut beef tenderloin, 2-½ to 3 lbs.

    *For the Rub*

    • 1 Tbsp. cracked black pepper
    • 1 Tbsp. granulated garlic
    • 1 Tbsp. paprika
    • 2 tsp. kosher salt
    • ½ tsp. cayenne

    *For the Glaze*

    • ¼ cup bourbon
    • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
    • ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.

    • Trim the tenderloin of excess fat and silver skin.

    • Place the tenderloin in a large, resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade.

    • Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly.

    • Turn the bag to distribute the marinade, place on a plate.

    • Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

    • In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients.

    • In a small bowl whisk together the glaze ingredients until sugar dissolves.

    • Remove tenderloin from the bag and discard the marinade.

    • Wipe excess marinade off with paper towels.

    • Press the rub into the tenderloin & allow to stand at room temperature 20-30 minutes.

    • Lightly brush or spray the tenderloin with olive oil.

    • Sear over Direct Medium heat until well marked, about 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.

    • Continue grilling over Indirect Medium heat until internal temperature reaches 135 for medium rare, about 10 to 20 minutes.

    • During the last 10 minutes, turn and baste with glaze.

    • Remove the tenderloin from the grill & allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (4)
    Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (5)

    For the perfect pairing with Beef Tenderloin as an entree check out this Salad with Marinated Asparagus and Oranges. Together they make a really special meal.

    And if you're serving a starchy side also you'll want to make these Iron Skillet Potatoes. They can cook on the grill right along with the beef.

    If you have any of this delicious tenderloin left over, it goes great in a Steak Omelette the next morning!

    Southern Food Then and Now is all about traditions, regions and the origins of our favorite cuisine!

    Do you love grilling as much as we do? We have a few other recipes you should check out.

    Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (8)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aunt Susan says

      Those look yummy!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Thank you! Indeed they are.

        Reply

    2. Tisha says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (12)
      This would definitely impress guests at a party!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Everyone does love it! Thanks, Tisha.

        Reply

    3. Traci says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (13)
      Whew! You had me at bourbon...and then added Cajun! My kind of recipe through and through. Tons of flavor and texture!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Right? We speak the same language apparently.

        Reply

    4. Tara says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (14)
      Oh wow! This tenderloin has such a beautiful crust and those flavors sound incredible. Definitely perfect for an elegant party.

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Yet it's easy enough for anytime. Thanks, Tara!

        Reply

    5. Colleen says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (15)
      Yum, I have that book, and have never made this. Now I know I need to!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Isn't it funny how we can sometimes overlook the best recipes? You'll love it.

        Reply

    6. Kristine says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (16)
      This is fabulous recipe! Such savory and robust flavors and yet, simple enough for me to make at dinnertime. Everyone loved it, so I'll be making this again!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Glad to hear that. We love it, too.

        Reply

    7. Danielle says

      Would it be possible to successfully cook this in the oven? If so what temperature and how long should i cook it for?

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Danielle, I'm sure it would be fine in the oven. I would sear the tenderloin in a hot skillet that has a little oil in it. Then cook to desired temperature in a 350-375 oven. Start basting with the glaze when it's about 15-20 degrees less than your desired temperature.

        Reply

    8. Donna says

      Can you tell me with the 2 1/2 - 3 lb tenderloin approximately how many sandwiches did you get?

      I definitely will try this! Thank you

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Gosh, Donna. It's going to vary wildly by how large your rolls/buns are and how thickly you pile the meat. For slider size buns I would estimate you would get about 8-10 sliders per pound, so that would be 20-25 sliders. Unless planning a party we would not typically want that many, and would make the number of sliders we need and then eat the rest of the meat as leftovers.

        Reply

    9. Natalie says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (17)
      What a yummy dinner option. Meat looks perfectly spiced, delicious, and full of flavors. I can't wait to make this for my family.

      Reply

      • Pam says

        I'm sure y'all will enjoy!

        Reply

    10. Angela says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (18)
      Such great flavor with a small amount of ingredients. The crust is wonderful!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Agreed! Thanks, Angela.

        Reply

    11. Luci says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (19)
      I knew my husband would love this tenderloin recipe. The tenderloin had a beautiful crust and delicious flavor! I paired it with a side of veggies and it was perfect. I can't wait to make it again!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        So happy y'all loved it.

        Reply

    12. Michelle says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (20)
      Yes please. Bourbon sauce and tender beef. What could be better? It's simple but elegant enough for a date night in or company (eventually...)

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Exactly. Date night in for now.

        Reply

    13. Toni Dash says

      Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (21)
      This is so amazing! Everyone at my house loved it!

      Reply

      • Pam says

        Awww... thanks Toni.

        Reply

    Tell us what you think!

    Bourbon-Glazed Cajun Beef Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    How much time to cook beef tenderloin? ›

    Do not add water or cover the roast and cook to desired doneness, according to the Measuring Doneness and Cooking Times Chart listed below. Roast until a meat thermometer registers 130°F (about 25–30 minutes) for medium-rare doneness or 140°F for medium doneness (about 30–35 minutes).

    Do you have to sear beef tenderloin before roasting? ›

    Should you sear beef tenderloin before cooking it? If roasting a tenderloin in the oven, you'll definitely want to sear it to get a golden brown crust. It doesn't take very long, and is so worth the effort.

    Is it better to roast a beef tenderloin at a high or low temperature? ›

    Low-Temperature Roasting

    Low-heat roasting— 225°F to 300°F, or 200°F to 275°F in a convection oven—will produce a roast with rosy interior that's evenly cooked all the way through, but you won't get much in the way of a well-seared crust.

    What is the best cooking method for tenderloin? ›

    Slow-roasting in a low oven cooks the tenderloin evenly from edge to center. Basting the tenderloin with browned butter flavored with thyme and shallots enhances browning and gives it more flavor.

    What temperature should a beef tenderloin be cooked at? ›

    Step 3 - Cook in oven + Enjoy the aromas
    Rare120 - 125 degrees F
    Medium Rare130 - 135 degrees F
    Medium140 - 145 degrees F
    Medium Well150 - 155 degrees F
    Well Done160 + degrees F
    Sep 28, 2011

    How long to cook tenderloin on 350? ›

    Cooking Instructions: Tenderloin & Eye Rib Roast
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. Lightly brush roast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
    3. Roast in a roasting pan approximately 15 minutes per pound for medium-rare (a 3.5 pound roast will take about 45 minutes to cook) or to desired internal temperature.

    Do you cook beef tenderloin covered or uncovered? ›

    Bake uncovered 40 to 50 minutes or until thermometer reads at least 140°F. Cover beef with tent of aluminum foil and let stand about 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 145°F. (Temperature will continue to rise about 5°, and beef will be easier to carve.)

    What happens if you don't sear a roast before cooking? ›

    The meat will cook just fine without searing. (And any surface bacteria will die during cooking anyway.) But I really believe that the depth and complexity of flavor we gain in this searing step is well-worth the extra effort.

    Is it better to sear before or after roasting? ›

    It's not really necessary to sear your roast before cooking, but caramelizing the surface gives the cut an incredible depth of flavor, enhanced with the complex layers of nutty caramel and coffee-like bitterness that meat-lovers find delicious.

    How do you tell if a beef tenderloin is done without a thermometer? ›

    Cut and Inspect:
    1. Chicken/Poultry:Cut into the thickest part of the meat. If the juices are clear, and the meat is no longer pink, it's likely done.
    2. Beef, Pork, and Lamb:Cut into the center of the meat and check for doneness. If it's cooked to your liking and the juices run clear, it should be done.
    Jun 3, 2022

    What factors should be considered when roasting a beef tenderloin in the oven? ›

    Roasting in a low 120°C/250°F oven is the key here which actually doesn't take that long (just 40 minutes). This yields exceptional results with evenly cooked beef from edge to edge (no thick overcooked band you get from higher temps) makes this recipe shockingly straightforward and virtually risk-free.

    Why is my beef tenderloin tough? ›

    Overcooking it.

    Tenderloin is lean and one of the most tender cuts around, but the lack of fat means that overcooking it will result in dry, tough meat. Follow this tip: Tenderloin is best served rare or medium-rare, so use a thermometer to make sure it doesn't get cooked past 140°F in the center.

    How do you know when a tenderloin is done? ›

    The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer. Fresh cut muscle meats such as pork chops, pork roasts, pork loin, and tenderloin should measure 145° F, ensuring the maximum amount of flavor.

    Should I bake or broil a tenderloin? ›

    A beef tenderloin is an excellent choice for the broiler, just like filet mignon. You can add some olive oil and your choice of spices to the meat before broiling to allow it to get a crispy sear in the oven.

    Is beef tenderloin the same as filet mignon? ›

    To sum up: Filet mignon is part of a beef tenderloin, but a beef tenderloin is not a filet mignon. Instead, it houses the filet mignon, which comes from the end portion of the tenderloin. The rest of the tenderloin can create other steak cuts or a delicious tenderloin roast to feed the family.

    How long to cook 1 inch thick tenderloin? ›

    For a 1-inch cut, grill 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare (145°F) or 12 to 15 minutes for medium (160°F). For a 1½-inch cut, grill 15 to 19 minutes for medium-rare (145°F) or 18 to 23 minutes for medium (160°F). Transfer the meat to a platter. Cover the meat with foil and allow it to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

    How long does it take to cook an 8 pound beef tenderloin? ›

    Beef tenderloin cooking time is around 10 minutes per pound at 425 F, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Use the chart below to determine how long your cut of meat needs in the oven.

    How many minutes per side tenderloin? ›

    Filet Mignon Cook Time on the Grill
    Filet Mignon DonenessSteak TemperatureTime On Grill
    Rare120° F – 125° F3-4 minutes per side
    Medium Rare125° F – 135° F5 minutes per side
    Medium135° F – 145° F5-7 minutes per side
    Medium Well145° F – 155° F7-9 minutes per side
    1 more row

    How long does tenderloin take at 225? ›

    How long does it take to grill? It will take about 1.5hrs to smoke a pork tenderloin at 225°F and 12-15 minutes to grill at 400°F. However, always cook to an internal temperature of 145°F instead of relying on a certain time.

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